A Cleansing Ritual A Cleansing Ritual A Cleansing Ritual A Cleansing Ritual Needed:
1 tablespoon bicarbonate soda 5 drops essential oil
Juice of a lemon
1 teaspoon good oil, such as sweet almond ½ cup sea salt
Stir the soda, essential oil, lemon juice and oil together and then blend in the salt. Dissolve in the bath water. Light four candles (colors of your choice) and place at the four corners of the tub.
Step slowly into the bath water, feeling it envelope around you. Close your eyes.
Visualize yourself laying on the surface of the ocean. There is nothing around you, you are alone and at peace. Feel the warmth of the sun beating down on you. Say either out loud or quietly to yourself:
“Be Comforted, all is well
Now you are blessed.
You have life to nurture and nurture you.
Be calm.
Be easy.
Be Comforted.
You are blessed."
A Grounding Ritual A Grounding Ritual A Grounding Ritual A Grounding Ritual
Visualize a cord extending from the base of your spine into the center of the earth. Align yourself along this cord. Breathe from your center -- from the diaphragm and your stomach. Feel the energy flow from the earth and fill you.
Do this for a few moments, then:
Imagine that your spine is the trunk of a tree and from its base, roots extend straight into the earth into the very center of the earth herself. Now you can draw power up from the earth with each breath. Feel the energy rising up through your spine. Feel yourself becoming more alive with each breath.
from your crown. Feel the power burst from the crown of your head, and the power sweeping down toward the earth again where it completes a circuit, then returning to its source. Feel these branches intertwine together, blowing in the wind.
Now, after you have raised all of this energy and used it for your ritual, there is still a great deal of power running through you. Every time such power is raised, it must also be earthed. Earthing is another form of grounding. If this is not done, the force you feel as vitalizing energy degenerates into nervous tension and irritability. In the final step before opening the circle we ground all excess energy. A good place to send it to is back to the Earth herself. Here is how:
Sink to the ground and relax. Place your palms flat on the ground or just lie flat on the ground (floor). Keep what energy you need and let the rest sink through you into the Earth. Visualize the energy flowing down to the ground. Relax, and let the energy flow out of you -- deep into the earth from whence it came. Relax and let yourself drift peacefully.
A Norse Samhain Ritual A Norse Samhain Ritual A Norse Samhain Ritual A Norse Samhain Ritual Needed: Drinking horn Hammer (Mjollnir) Sword Pentacle or stone Bowl of salt Water
Incense and censor Celebrants
Procession
Soulers (any small number) White Mare
White Priestess Skadi
Gold Priest Freyr
Red Priestess Freyja
Red Priest Heimdallr
Black Priestess Vala
Skadi takes the sword around the circle with these words:
“Sharp bright steel the circle scribes:
Carving, cleaving world from world.”
Freyja banishes the circle with the hammer and these words:
“Mankind’s friend, by Mjollnir’s might
Banish beings that bode us ill!”
She stands in the center and to each quarter and above and below she makes the Hammer-Sign, saying:
“Holy hammer, hallow and hold us.”
Vala seals the circle, carrying pentacle and bowl of salt, saying:
“Stout stone shield us, shut the circle.”
Skadi asperses the circle (Vala follows with censer) with these words:
“Be all bless’d who bide herein,
By stone and sea, by storm and sun.”
Now Heimdallr takes the sword and calls the quarters as follows:
“Wisdom’s wain, East wind I call thee!
Thoughts thy thanes that thrive in newness.
Breathe and bless, blow all clean;
Watch and ward, O wind of mind.
Summer’s savor, South wind come now!
Bright the blessings you bare with you.
Strong of spirit, sun-like fire;
Watch and ward, O wind of soul.
Wild and wet, West wind I Summon!
Sea-spray baring, singing, shouting;
Beats the Earth’s blood in thy breast;
Watch and ward, O wind of heart.
White with winter, North wind, waken!
Stone's strength bringing, snow-cloaked wind.
From the frost-realms, fresh and chill,
Watch and ward, O wind of form.”
invokes the other, as follows: Skadi (to Freyr)
Skadi (to Freyr) Skadi (to Freyr) Skadi (to Freyr)
“Lord of life, hail land-master!
God of grain that grows and dies
And rises reborn, full of richness;
Fallow fields shall yet be fertile --
Spring sap runs as stirs your phallus --
Bless barren Earth, let it bare again!”
Freyr (to Skadi) Freyr (to Skadi) Freyr (to Skadi) Freyr (to Skadi)
“Show-shoes striding, hail swift huntress!
Wild one, free and willful Goddess,
Bow and blade you bare beside you,
Finding food to fend off hunger.
Winter will not leave us wanting;
Give good hunting, grant us skill!”
Freyja (to Heimdallr) Freyja (to Heimdallr) Freyja (to Heimdallr) Freyja (to Heimdallr)
“Standing steadfast, hail far-sser!
Watchful one, on rainbow waiting,
Horn at hand to rouse the heroes,
News you know from nine worlds over.
People's parent and our patron,
Open our eyes to altered sight.”
Heimdallr (to Heimdallr (to Heimdallr (to
Heimdallr (to Freyja) Freyja) Freyja) Freyja)
“Vanir bride, hail vision-giver!
Capped in cat-fur, cloaked in feathers,
Drumming for the dance of dreams,
You haste to hunt out hidden things.
Scant now the screen that hinders sight;
Let us learn the lore of trance-work.”
Vala (to Odin) Vala (to Odin) Vala (to Odin) Vala (to Odin)
“One-eye, wanderer, god of wisdom,
Hunt-lord, hail, who leads the hosting!
Nine nights hanging, knowledge gaining,
Cloaked at crossroads, council hidden.
Now the night, your time is near us --
Right roads send us on, rune-winner.”
Odin (to Vala) Odin (to Vala) Odin (to Vala) Odin (to Vala)
“Every age your eye has witnessed,
Cauldron-keeper; hail, wise crone!
Rede in riddles is your ration --
Wyrd-weaving at the world-tree’s root.
Eldest ancient, All:knowing one,
Speak secrets to us, send us kenning.”
Odin reminds everyone what the festival is about, as follows:
“So comes the souls'-day. Summon for feasting
Ancestors, ancients, honored and blessed;
Let in beloved ones, lend them your bodies --
Whom do you hallow? Hail them by name!”
Allow a few minutes for everybody to name the ancestor they want to welcome. Then Vala gives this admonition:
“As ancient elders you learn from and honor,
Let not the living ones moulder alone.
Near is their knowledge nearer than spirits',
Seen without ceremony, simply for asking.”
Both then state:
“Grandmothers, grandfathers, great be their blessings
Past ones and present we dance them all power!”
All the Celebrants but Heimdallr form a circle facing outward; Heimdallr goes to the West, and all say:
“Wide are the world gates; now the wights wander.
Welcome within are the dead who were ours;
Rest from riding here, revel and feast here;
Come in, old kinsfolk, keepers of wisdom!”
Heimdallr cuts the Soulers' Procession into the Circle on "Come in", and moves to stand with the other Celebrants while the Soulers dance slowly around singing:
“Welcome winter, waning season,
Now within night the new year comes;
All who honor elder kinsfolk
Dance the dead to earthly drums.
Souls respected safeguard living
House we'll hold, and hallow hearth;
Blessings be on those who bide here,
And indeed on all the earth!”
The Celebrants begin also to circle, dancing in character, starting widdershins then spiraling in and out to end deosil, as in the meeting dance, while the Soulers
encourage the outer circle to dance also. The intent should be for luck in the new year, and better connection with our Ancestors (as well as better treatment of our Elders!). We are the We are the We are the We are the old peopleold peopleold peopleold people, and blood of the ancientsblood of the ancientsblood of the ancientsblood of the ancients are appropriate and may be sung in polyphony.
As the providers of food, FreyrFreyrFreyr and SkadiFreyr SkadiSkadiSkadi bring forward the feast. Some food should be laid out for the ancestors, and people should be encouraged to let the ancestors use their senses for a while to enjoy the food with them. The Soulers in particular should receive Soul Cakes. A strong magical gesture would be for people to bring forward canned and other non-perishable food (which can be later given to a food bank or similar organization).
Freyr speaks as follows:
“Cakes to us carry, corn from the storehouse;
Wine defies winter, warm with caught ripeness;
Milk made to cheeses, meat dried and salted;
Last of the land's fruits ere the long sleep.”
Skadi speaks as follows:
“Good nuts and game-food are hunters' guerdon;
Sleeping Earth's secrets yield to the seeker
True buried treasure: onions, potatoes
Forest shall feed us while the fields rest.”
Both say (if there is to be food donation):
“All who have aught to offer, now bring it;
Wights, bare ye witness work with the givers.
Feeding our fellows, let us be fed so,
Sops for the spirit or sup for the flesh.”
(If there is to be scrying and divination, it should be done now in a quiet space
marked off as separate from the feasting-place. FreyjaFreyjaFreyja and HeimdallrFreyja HeimdallrHeimdallrHeimdallr lead the scrying and ValaValaVala and OdinVala OdinOdin lead rune-work, with the following optional speeches: Odin
Heimdallr:
“Let the lots tumble, loosing their learning;
Word-wood and wit-stones, won through ordeal.
Come up and cast them, while word is clearest
Augers may answer aught the year holds.”
Freyja:
“Wide are the world gates, windows are open;
Sights may be seen now, else times but scarcely.
Crystal and cauldron capture the vision;
Mystery's meaning speaks to the mindful.”)
Note: it is entirely appropriate for partying to go on inside the sacred circle (people can get up and move around), so that the Dead have the opportunity to enjoy their day before we bid them farewell; the circle should be cast large, with this in mind. The only constraint is to open in sufficient time to clean up the hall before the rental time runs out. The circle is opened as follows:
Heimdallr:
“To watching winds, we wish fair wandering;
Fan us sweet fragrance; hail, farewell!”
All:
“To sleepless souls, we wish sweet resting;
Friends will keep faith; farewell now!
Gods and Goddesses, go with praises!
Finished our festival; hail, farewell!”
Celebrants ground with this formula:
“As from the Earth our energy comes,
Into the Earth the excess flows;
Earth and all empowered alike
Be it so!”
Skadi:
“See: the circle is severed thus
she cutsMerry meet, merry part, merry meet again!”
A Ritual for Comfort from the Loss of a Loved One A Ritual for Comfort from the Loss of a Loved One A Ritual for Comfort from the Loss of a Loved One A Ritual for Comfort from the Loss of a Loved One Needed:
2 candles (1 in your favorite color, 1 in the persons) Red candle
Blue candle White candle Purple candle Stuff of the lost one Black candle
Cast a circle in the usual way, the way that you are most familiar.
Light a candle of your favorite color to represent you. Next to it, place a candle of a color that reminds you of your friend, but, do not light it.
Place a circle of candles around these two, on your altar, consisting of a red candle, saying as you do:
"I light this candle to represent the circle of life and death."
The next candle should be pink. Say:
"This candle represents love. I ask with candle for the gift of love."
The next candle should be blue. Light it, saying:
"This candle represents peace. May I have peace in my heart."
The next candle should be white. Light it as you say:
"This candle represents protection, so that I may get through these hard times."
Light a purple candle and place it in the last spot:
"This candle represents the power of the spirit."
Outside the inner circle of candles, place memorabilia of the lost one, or the one you are about to loose to sickness or illness. This can be pictures, or any item that reminds you of him/her. Hold the unlit candle representing the loved one and spend some quiet time re-living the memories, and cherishing the fond memories you have of the loved one. When finished, light the candle and put it back in the holder.
Visualize your loved one standing next to you. Watch him as he leaves your side and travels off to a another place. If the loved one has xian values, visualize him in
heaven, if they believe in reincarnation, visualize them being born as a baby again. If unsure of the other's beliefs and you can't ask them, just visualize them leaving. As they leave your side, they should pass through a big white door.
After the visualization has faded, hold a black candle. Pour all your negative emotions into this candle. You are allowed to cry. Breathe all you have into the candle and when finished, light it and place it somewhere outside the colorful circle of candles.
Address the lord and lady. Ask them for guidance. Ask the lady to hold you as a mother. Rock back and forth with her once she is holding you in her embrace. Feel the mother's warmth.
Once you have reached a feeling of release, extinguish all candles, unless you are only planning on doing this ritual once, then let the candles burn out completely. Take the black candle outside immediately and either bury it beside a tree, or throw it into a large body of water. Ask the spirit of (earth/water) to purify it, and to give you strength to deal with your situation.
Close the circle and perform any other ritualistic habits that may a part of your tradition, or that may help you feel better.
Note: Note: Note:
Note: This ritual will cause strong emotions, that may seem at first to be overwhelming. However, you can get through it, with just a little persistence. A Ritual for Releasing Anger
A Ritual for Releasing Anger A Ritual for Releasing Anger A Ritual for Releasing Anger Needed:
Red candle
White or black candle Paper and pen
Container to burn in
Once you have gathered your stuff and set up your quiet space, you will want to call in a circle to protect yourself, and to protect others from the energies you plan to release. Face the east, and call upon the air to help you express your rage clearly, to help you focus mentally while you release your emotions safely within the circle. Face the south, and call upon fire to help your rage burn up and out of you, burning away the past and the trauma that has enraged you. Face the west, and call upon the water to help your emotions flow freely within the circle, cleansing your spirit and restoring yourself. Face the north, and call upon the earth to allow you to safely ground your rage, and to sustain and support your through the releasing process. As you call in the directions, visualize a circle of white light forming around your working space, shielding you and protecting you with the elements you've called in. (I have sometimes found that it also helps to call upon the archangels to further strengthen the circle -- Raphael for east, Michael for south, Gabriel for west, and Uriel for north -- if your beliefs trend that way.)
Then when you feel the circle is secure, call upon the Higher Powers in whatever form you relate to them to work with you and shield you through the course of the ritual.
Now, light the red candle. By its light, begin to write or draw what it is that is
enraging you, whether it be some form of emotional abuse that trashed your worth as a person, sexual abuse that made you into an object, physical abuse that broke your body's connection with your mind, or whatever. Focus on making the issues clear to yourself and the Higher Powers that you've called in. Focus on how the actions made you
you you
you feel, not on the other person's guilt or motivations, or on revenge on the other person. (You can do this part ahead of time, if you want. I wrote a long letter to my mother explaining exactly what I remembered and felt out of our abusive
relationship, being careful to keep it in "I-statements" and not start blaming her. Blame may be necessary for some folks, but until you release the rage within, I feel that you cannot assess blame rationally and safely.)
Next, hold the paper between your hands, focus your awareness on the red candle, and begin to chant, shout, scream, or make whatever sounds help you to feel the rage come up and leave you. Send the rage into the red candle. Focus your rage on the red candle, watching the flames burn brighter and hotter as the force of your anger fuels them. When you feel that you've released the red rage as much as you can, light the papers on which you've drawn or written your problem and drop them into the container so they can burn out. (Do remember to put something under the container to protect the surface it rests on -- we did this ritual as a group a couple of years ago and caught the carpet on fire.)
After the papers have begun to burn down, light the black or white candle. (The choice of color depends on how you wish to focus on restoring yourself -- black represents the energy of transformation and white represents and energy of peace and purification.) Focus on what you'd like to replace the rage with -- peace, self-esteem, happiness, or whatever. Let the energy of the new emotions fill you up. Write or draw on a new piece of paper those things that you want to find in yourself and your life now that you've released the poisonous rage that was holding you back. You could even take the ashes from the burnt paper and write the name of the emotion on a new piece of paper to help you focus. Feel the healing begin.
When you are comfortably calm again, release the energy of the circle. Visualize it sinking back into the earth as you thank the elements at each direction for watching over you. Thank the Higher Powers for their insight and help. Let the candles burn completely out. A Ritual of Alchemy A Ritual of Alchemy A Ritual of Alchemy A Ritual of Alchemy Needed:
Dirt (Earth)
Dried Rose Petals (Air) Nitre (Saltpeter) (Fire) Water (Water)
Dead matter (dried leaves, grass, etc.) Process Step One:
Place dirt in the cauldron or pot saying:
"I place this dirt into the cauldron as a bed for the seeds we will plant in spring.
Gracious Goddess and God, bless and consecrate this earth
earth
earth
earth that it bring forth
abundance."
Place the Dried Rose Petals into the cauldron saying:
"I place dried petal into the cauldron that the smell will remind us of the changing
winds that stir up life. Gracious Goddess and God, bless and consecrate this air
air
air
air that it
bring about change for growth."
Put some Nitre into the cauldron saying:
"I place nirte into the cauldron to fire up the energy lying dormant in the seeds this
spring. Gracious Goddess and God, bless and consecrate this fire
fire
fire
fire that it may release
stored energy."
Pour some water in the mixture (just to dampen the materials) saying:
"I pour water into the cauldron to dissolve and transmute the materials within, ever
remembering that water is life and is the life blood of the Mother. Gracious Goddess
and God, bless and consecrate this water
water
water
water that may truly be the Universal Solvent."
Stir the cauldron saying:
"I stir this cauldron that the elements within be mixed, that they may combine and
exchange essences in order that our work be done. Gracious Goddess and God, bless
our work tonight. And as the elements transmute to another form, grant that we also
be transmuted into a greater form."
Process Step Two:
Dip out the mixture and place it in a jar (fill to about ½ to 2/3 full).
Write an action or condition to be transmuted by Ostara on a slip of paper.
Consecrate and charge the paper and place it into the jar with the mixture. It is to stay in the jar.
Process Step Three:
Hair, nail clippings, menstrual blood, semen or other items personally from the individual. Ashes from ceremonial fires, especially from the Yule log, a small amount of candle wax, incense, or other items found at special times and/or special places. Food (sparingly). A small crumbled piece of Sabbat Cake, a bit of the wine, small pieces of egg shell, tea, 'grounds', etc.
Process Step Four:
In the spring, the jar should contain transmuted matter to be used to bless seeds planted on Ostara.
A Ritual of Ge A Ritual of Ge A Ritual of Ge
A Ritual of Gesturessturessturesstures
Stand in the ritual area. Still your thoughts. Breathe deeply for half a minute or so until composed and calm. Turn your mind to our Deities.
Face North. Lift both hands to waist height, palms down. Press your fingers together, creating two solid, flat planes. Sense solidity, foundation, fertility. Invoke the powers of the Earth through the gesture.
Moments Later, turn toward the East. Raise your hands a foot higher, your palms facing away from you (no longer parallel with the ground), and elbows slightly bent. Spread your fingers and hold this position, sensing movement and communication. Invoke the forces of Air through the gesture.
Face South. Lift your hands fully above your head. Keeping the elbows straight, grasp your fingers into tight fists. Feel force, power, creation and destruction. Invoke the forces of Fire through the gesture.
Turn to the West. Lower your hands a foot or so. Bend the elbows, turn your palms upward and cup them, pressing the thumbs against the forefingers. Sense fluidity, the ocean, liquidity. Invoke the forces of Water through the gesture.
Face North again. Throw your head back and raise both hands to the sky, palms up, fingers spread. Drink in the essence of The One, the unknowable, unapproachable ultimate source of all. Sense the mysteries within the universe.
Lower your projective hand (your writing hand) but keep your receptive hand high. Pressing the third, forth and fifth fingers against the palm, lift the forefinger and thumb to create a rough crescent shape. Sense the reality of the Goddess. Sense Her love, Her fertility, Her compassion. Sense the powers of the Moon in the gesture; the force of the eternal seas - the presence of the Goddess. Lower your receptive hand; lift
your projective hand. Bend down the middle and forth fingers toward the palm, and trap them with the thumb. Lift the forefinger and little finger up to the sky, creating a horned image. Sense the reality of the God. Sense the power of the Sun in the gesture; the untamed energies of the woodlands - the presence of the God.
Lower your projective hand. Lay down flat. Spread your legs and arms until you've created the pattern of a pentagram. Sense the powers of the elements running
through you; merging and coalescing into your being. Sense them as emanations from The One, the Goddess and God.
Meditate. Commune. Communicate.
When finished, simply stand up. Your rite of gestures is over. A Ritual of Thanks A Ritual of Thanks A Ritual of Thanks A Ritual of Thanks Needed: 1 blue candle
3 kernels unpopped corn
2 apple cut on the cross, showing the pentagram inside Set altar facing East.
Light your candle with the following words:
“Great Goddess, Lady of the Summerland’s, Mother to us all. I welcome you to this
place of power and offer thanks to you for what you have given me. I am a priestess of
your path and I see with your eyes. You guide me in the lessons I must learn.”
Put the bottom half of the apple in front of you. Charging the three kernels of corn between your hands, say:
"As the Maiden is ripe with potential, so is my life.
As the Mother gives birth, so do my thoughts.
As the Crone nourishes life, so do I nourish mine.”
Place the kernels in the center of the core-pentagram and melt wax from your candle to cover them. Replace the top of the apple while the wax is till warm. Let the apple sit on your altar for three days and nights. Remove wax token and bury apple. The wax token can remain on your altar for as long as you wish.
An Eclectic Circle Ceremony An Eclectic Circle Ceremony An Eclectic Circle Ceremony An Eclectic Circle Ceremony Needed:
Salt Water
Censer Candle Preliminaries Water: Water: Water: Water:
“Blessings upon thee, O creature of water, I cast out from thee
all impurities and uncleanness of the spirits of phantasm, confusion,
or any other influence not for the free will of all.”
Salt: Salt: Salt: Salt:
“Blessings be upon this creature of salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth thence from, and let all good enter therein.
Wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me.”
Mixing: Mixing: Mixing: Mixing:
“I take this salt of the Earth, Blessed with the will of
Fire; I take this water of spirit, Exorcised with mind of merit;
I mix them with words of power, Dedicated to every Tower.
By the power of moon and sun,
By the power of Spirit, earth and sea,
God and Goddess are part of One,
As I Will, so mote it be!”
Casting of the Circle
“I conjure thee, O circle of power,
As thou encircle every Tower.
That thou beest a place of Truth, Joy and love,
Encircling Flight of Eagle, Hawk and Dove.
Mighty Aegis of the Lady and Lord,
Rampart of thought, action and word.
To work in Peace, Powerful and Free,
Who walk between two worlds conjure thee;
A boundary to Protect, Concentrate and Contain,
That Power raised here be not in vain.
Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate thee, in the names of Cernunnos and
Aradia.”
Sealing of the Circle
“With potion of earth and water, I seal the sacred circle,
Linking air and fire!
With potion of earth and air, I seal the sacred circle,
Linking fire with water!
With potion of earth, air, and fire, I seal the sacred circle,
Linking water with the Earth!
As the four directions are brought to merge,
Let influence of the mighty ones converge! ”
(Seal with Censer)
“With Incense and air of Mind,
East to South, I do Bind!
With Incense and air of mind,
South to West, I do Bind!
With Incense and air of Mind,
West to North, I do Bind!
With Incense and air of Mind,
North to East Completion Find!”
(Seal with Candle)
“With the Fire of emotion and will
East to South, our dedication fulfill!
With the Fire of veneration and Will,
South to West, our allegiance fulfill!
With the Fire of Devotion and Will,
West to North, our consecration fulfill!
With the Fire of Commitment and will,
From North to East, This inscription fulfill!
Within the circle All wills be free,
The circle is sealed, So Mote it Be!”
Setting the Watchtowers
Airy Lords of Spirit;
Let your influence of Power,
Aid our minds with merit!
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Ye Lords of Southern Power
Fiery Lords of Will.
Pray do grace your Tower,
Your Powers to fulfill!
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the circle.
Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West,
Watery Lords of Death and Initiation;
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the Circle.
Ye Northern Lords of the Earth,
Though we be yet but Mortals;
Bless our work with worth,
Boreas, guardian of Northern portals.
I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness these rites and to guard the Circle.
Goddess and God, I would know,
As 'tis above, so 'tis below
Blessings on this work, please bestow!
This be my will, true and free,
I do so will, so mote it be”
Invocation of the Elements
“Air, Fire, Water, Earth,
Elements of astral birth,
I call you now; attend to me!
In the Circle, rightly cast,
Safe from curse or blast,
I call you now, attend to me!
From cave and desert, sea and hill,
By wand, blade, and pentacle,
I call you now, attend to me!
This Is my will, so mote it be!”
An Issian Circle Casting An Issian Circle Casting An Issian Circle Casting An Issian Circle Casting Needed: Wand Chalice Athame 2 containers Salt Water 2 candles Incense
Cakes and wine/juice Bell (optional)
This requires the use of a duly consecrated wand, a chalice, an athame and a container for salt and water -- nonnonnonnon-plastic pleplepleasepleaseasease -- on your altar as well as two candle sticks with candles in them and an incense burner for stick or hanging incense. You should work robed or nude as you prefer. In the four directions you should have either air (as incense) or fire (as candle, lit, of course, and preferably red) in the east -- according to your tradition. The otherotherotherother element -- the one not used in the east - in the south, again according to your tradition.
The High Priesthood of a circle is the final say in any rite. So always follow The High Priesthood of a circle is the final say in any rite. So always follow The High Priesthood of a circle is the final say in any rite. So always follow The High Priesthood of a circle is the final say in any rite. So always follow their their their their traditions.
traditions. traditions. traditions.
A bowl (again notnotnotnot plastic) of water in the west and some rocks or a dish of salt in the
North for earth.
If you wish you may lay a circle of salt on the floor, leaving a gate for the priest/ess to enter and leave for the temple purification or you may visualize the circle coming as electric blue light out of your athame point as you cast it. after s/he returns from purifying the outer perimeter, the gate would be closed and the circle cast (after the directions are called) by pointing the athame (or the sword) at the salt and charging it instead of casting into the air. The gate would be closed by completing the circle of salt.
Priestess picks up bowl of salt and bowl of water on alter. Priest picks up athame and places it point down in the water and says:
"Salt is pure, let this salt be pure and let it purify our rites as we use it in the service of
the Lady and the Lord?”
Priestess pours some of the salt into the water. (P) stirs it with his athame and says:
"May this sacred salt purify this water so it may be used in this service of the Lord and
Lady, throughout this rite, in any way and at any time we may wish to use it."
All:
“So mote it be”
Priestess takes the salt-water and sprinkles it about the perimeter of the circle (outer) saying the following while walking widdershinswiddershinswiddershinswiddershins (to banish) or counter-clockwise:
"Salt and water where I cast thee
No spell or unknown purpose be
Unless in full accord with me
and as I will So mote it be
So mote it be
So mote it be
So mote it be"
She returns to the circle. The Priest then takes the incense burner -- if a swinging one -- or the burning stick of incense and goes around the circle deosil saying:
"Ever as we walk in the ways may we feel the presence of the
Lady and the Lord We know that in all we do they are ever with us They
abide in us and we in them forever. No disharmony or imbalance can
be entertained for purity, harmony and balance are the dwellers
within and without us:
For good do we strive and
for good do we live
Love unto all things
So be it forever
Love is the law and Love is the bond
Blessed be the Lady and the Lord"
All:
“So mote it be”
He returns to the circle. He then picks up his wand and goes to the East, raising it high he invokes the element of air visualizing either the ruler of that element as he
understands that being orororor a yellow pentacle can be substituted. I like to imagine a
weeping willow tree budding in the spring being moved by the gentle breezes
through the center of the pentacle - as if through the center of a window. (If you use If you use If you use If you use fire in the East
fire in the East fire in the East
fire in the East---- substitute substitute substitute visualization here with the one for the South and change substitute visualization here with the one for the South and change visualization here with the one for the South and change visualization here with the one for the South and change the invocation accordingly
the invocation accordingly the invocation accordingly the invocation accordingly)
"Hail to thee
Lord of the Watchtower of the East
element of air (fire)
We invite your presence and your power in our circle and
our magick this night.”
All:
“So mote it be”
Priest:
“Welcome and Blessed be.”
All:
“Blessed be.”
Go to the SouthSouthSouthSouth and repeat this visualizing either your conception of the ruler of the watchtower for the south orororor a redredred pentacle - I like to "see" a campfire through it's red center, as if through a window. Repeat invocation with raised wand substituting of the South and element of fire.
Go to the WestWestWestWest and repeat this visualizing either your conception of the ruler of the
watchtower of the west ororor a blueor blueblue pentacle - I like to see a mountain stream or the blue ocean through the center of it, as if through a window. Repeat invocation making suitable changes of direction and element in it.
Go to the NorthNorthNorthNorth and repeat the process visualizing either your conception of the ruler
of that watchtower orororor a greengreengreengreen pentacle - I like to see Mountains rising up in the distance through the middle of it, again as if through a window.
He returns to the altar and replaces the wand. The Priestess takes up hers and invokes the Deities:
"Hail to thee Lord and Lady"
(Substitute aloud or silently the names you are using for the Goddess and the God here - with non-initiates, some prefer to use the generic "Lord and Lady" out loud, keeping the names by which the inner circle of initiates know Them a secret. This is also a good idea to use when you have members of several traditions present who may not agree on what names are used for them)"We invite your presence and power in our circle and our magick this night."
All:
“So mote it be”
Priestess:
“Welcome and blessed be.”
All:
“Blessed be”
She then replaces her wand on the altar and picks up her athame or the coven sword and casts the circle - either straight out, visualizing blue light coming from it's point - or, if a circle of salt is used, straight downdowndowndown at the salt, to charge it.
This is done deosil This is done deosil This is done deosil This is done deosil. . . .
First casting:
"I conjure this circle, a mighty Psychic rampart that turns back any
any
any
any
excess positive or negative energy which may come to do us harm"
All:
"So mote it be"
Second casting:
"I cast this circle, a place that is not a place, a time that is not a time, a
sacred place between the worlds, a place to commune with eternity (or the Lady and
the Lady and
the Lady and
the Lady and
the Lord
the Lord
the Lord
the Lord)"
All:
"So mote it be"
Third casting:
"I charge this circle, a place of perfect love and of perfect trust where
all may know peace profound"
All:
"So mote it be"
She returns to the altar. If a bell is used (brass or silver onlyonlyonlyonly please) she rings it and says:
"Now is the circle cast"
All:
"So mote it be"
The circle then perform the full-moon rite, raising the power and drawing down the energy into themselves by whatever rites they use and Magick is performed as is
appropriate and necessary ororor the ritual for one of the 8 sabbats is performed -- a much or
lighter and informal occasion - according to the time and purpose of the circle.
The cakes and ale/wine (You cant substitute appleappleappleapple juice or springspringspring water) are spring consecrated by the athame in the chalice
Circle closing
The Priest takes up his wand and goes to the 4 quarters, beginning at the north and going widdershins, where he raises his wand at each and dismisses the rulers of the elements thusly:
"Farewell to thee
Lord of the watchtower of the (direction)
element of (name element)
We thank you for our presence and power
in our circle and our magick this night"
All:
"So mote it be"
Priest:
“Merry part and Blessed be.”
All:
“Blessed be.”
As he does this, he visualizes whatever he visualized earlier and then "sees" it fading out. When he has done all 4 quarters he replaces his wand on the altar
The Priestess picks hers up and raises it high says:
"Farewell to the Lord and Lady
Farewell to the Lord and Lady
Farewell to the Lord and Lady
Farewell to the Lord and Lady"
(again names may be substituted silently or aloud)
"We
We
We
We thank you for your presence
and your power in Our circle and our magick this Night."
All:
"So mote it be"
Priestess:
“Go if you must, stay if you will and blessed be.”
All:
“Blessed be.”
She then picks up her athame (or sword ) and pointing it either in the air or at the salt, whatever she did before, she walks widdershins and as she opens the circle she pictures in her mind's eye the electric blue light fading out or being reabsorbed by the tool she carries as she says:
"The circle is open, yet remains unbroke."
All:
"So mote it be"
Priestess:
“Merry part and Blessed be.”
All:
“Blessed be.”
(they all hug each other in many circles here )
(Candles are snuffed on altar here - never blow out candles) If bell is used, she rings it and says:
“The circle is now open.”
Banishing and Cleansing Ritual Banishing and Cleansing Ritual Banishing and Cleansing Ritual Banishing and Cleansing Ritual Needed:
Athame Salt Water
horizontally either spin 360 or walk around the perimeter with the Athame held out in a threatening manner.
“Spirits of evil, Unfriendly beings
Unwanted guests, Be gone!
Leave us leave this place, leave this Circle,
that the Goddess and the God may enter.
Go, or be cast into the outer darkness!
Go, or be drowned in the watery abyss!
Go, or be burned in the flames!
Go, of be torn by the whirlwind!
By the power of the Mother and the Horned One
We banish you! We banish you! We banish you!”
Sprinkle the perimeter with salt and water. Bardic Beltaine Bardic Beltaine Bardic Beltaine Bardic Beltaine Needed: Cauldron of water
Wreath of flowers for Maiden White clothes for Maiden 2 wooden swords (optional) Fire
Candles for all Note:
If you have no Bard, then a male to act as Green Man should be chosen either by lottery, or by the Maiden. The Maiden is, of course, free to request a specific person to act as Green Man even if there is a Bard available to the coven.
The BardBardBardBard should stand to the WestWestWest, unless otherwise specified in the ritual. West The place of ritual should be set up, away from the gathered participants.
It is more than a good idea to manage bathrooms and such like before the circle is closed. This Mystery is not something any of the participants should miss out on!
High Priestess: High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Go we now to the sacred place
And stand within the sacred space
Turn your minds to sacred things
And dance with me unto the ring!”
ending in a circle around the altar. The cauldron should be at the south. The Bard/Green Man dances at the end of the line.
Hig Hig Hig
High Priestess: h Priestess: h Priestess: h Priestess:
“Come we forth, with the Spiral Dance
Within the Lady's radiance
To celebrate the Year renewed
And praise the Powers, with gratitude.
Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I invoke the Goddess there!
This night we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!”
High Priest: High Priest: High Priest:
High Priest:
“Earth and Water, Fire and Sky
I invoke the God on high
This night we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!”
The corners shall be called thusly, that all may hear, but shall not be called until the High Priestess reaches that corner on her circumambulation.
East: East: East:
East:
“O Guardians of the Eastern Tower,
Airy ones of healing power
I do summon, stir and call you
See these rites and guard this circle!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!”
South: South: South:
South:
“Oh fiery ones of Southern Power
Thus I invite you to this tower
I do summon, stir and call you
See these rites and guard this circle!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!”
West: West: West:
West:
“Western ones of water's flow
Help to guard us here below
I do summon, stir and call you
See these rites and guard this circle!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!”
North: North: North:
North:
“Earthen ones of Northern fame
Bless and guard our Power's fane
I do summon, stir and call you
See these rites and guard this circle!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!”
The High Priestess shall move to each corner, and say, following each corner's crying as she moves to the next:
Hig Hig Hig
High Priestess: h Priestess: h Priestess: h Priestess:
“So I cast and consecrate
This Circle of the small and great:
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea,
By Fire and Water, Earth and Air,
By the Lord, and Lady Fair!
By Love and Joy and Work and Play,
All things harmful cast away!
By lightning’s flash, and rain's soft fall,
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
(Cast the Circle: Blessed be!)”
On her return to the first corner she shall change the last line above, and say:
“The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be!”
The callers of the corners shall return their tools to the altar, and then shall join the circle at their corners.
Here begins the Beltane Mystery Bard
Bard Bard
Bard or Green Man: Green Man: Green Man: Green Man:
“Thus I invoke the Lady White
To come to us this sacred night.
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
I show you a Mystery!”
The Maiden shall stand beside the High Priest, who shall hold a wooden sword. The Bard/Green Man shall approach them, also carrying a wooden sword, and shall, in mime, challenge the High Priest. They shall strike their swords together in three sets of three blows, then Bard/Green Man shall strike the High Priest, with the last blow of his sword, who shall fall as if dead.
(Note: This can be played as a Morris Dance, if so wished.)
If no Maiden and Bard/Green Man are used, then the above combat may be
eliminated, and the High Priest and High Priestess shall enact the Mystery. The High Priestess' part shall then be spoken by the participants.
The Maiden moves to the East. The Bard/Green Man moves to the North. H
H H
High Priestess: igh Priestess: igh Priestess: igh Priestess:
“Cunning and art she did not lack
But aye his whistle would fetch her back!”
Maiden: Maiden: Maiden:
Maiden:
“Oh, I shall go into a hare
with sorrow, sighing and mickle care
And I shall go in the Lady's Name
Aye, until I be fetched hame!”
Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man:
Bard/Green Man:
“Hare, take heed of a swift greyhound
Will harry thee all these fields around
For here come I in the Lady's Name
All but for to fetch thee hame!”
The Maiden moves to the South. The Bard/Green Man moves to the East. High Priestess:
High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Cunning and art she did not lack
But aye his whistle would fetch her back!”
Maiden: Maiden: Maiden:
Maiden:
“Yet I shall go into a bee
With mickle fear and dread of thee
And flit to hive in the Lady's Name
Ere that I be fetch-ed hame!”
Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man:
Bard/Green Man:
“Bee, take heed of a red, red cock
Will harry thee close thru door and lock
For here come I in the Lady's Name
All but for to fetch thee hame!”
The Maiden moves to the West. The Bard/Green Man moves to the South. High Priestess:
High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Cunning and art she did not lack
But aye his whistle would fetch her back!”
Maiden: Maiden: Maiden:
Maiden:
“Yet I shall go into a trout.
With sorrow and sighing and mickle doubt
And show thee many a merry game
Ere that I be fetch-ed hame!”
Bard/Green Man Bard/Green Man Bard/Green Man
Bard/Green Man: : : :
“Trout, take heed of an otter lank
Will harry thee close from bank to bank
For here come I in the Lady's Name
All but for to fetch thee hame!”
The Maiden moves to the North. The Bard/Green Man moves to the West. High Priestess:
High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Cunning and art she did not lack
But aye his whistle would fetch her back!”
Maiden: Maiden: Maiden:
Maiden:
“Yet I shall go into a mouse
And haste me unto the Miller's House
There in his corn to have good game
Ere that I be fetch-ed hame!”
Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man: Bard/Green Man:
Bard/Green Man:
“Mouse, take heed of a white tom-cat
That never was baulked of mouse nor rat
For here come I in the Lady's Name
And thus it is I fetch thee hame!
Bard/Green Man walks to Maiden and takes her hand. They both move to the Cauldron, and face High Priestess.
High Priestess: High Priestess: High Priestess:
But aye his Song has fetched her back!
Old Winter's dead, the Lady reigns
And Summer has returned again!”
Bard/Green Man and Maiden both wet their hands with water from the Cauldron, and sprinkle it on the High Priest, who comes to life again.
High Prie High Prie High Prie
High Priest: st: st: st:
“Cunning and art I do not lack
But aye Her Cauldron will bring me back!”
Bard/Green Man and Maiden both move to, and jump, the fire.
If there is a May Pole, it should be erected by the men only only only only at this point, and all dance around it, alternating male and female to raise the cone of power as outlined below.
A normal cone-of-power may be raised, for growth and healing: High Pr
High Pr High Pr
High Priestess: iestess: iestess: iestess:
“In a ring we all shall stand
Pass the Power, hand to hand.”
High Priest: High Priest: High Priest:
High Priest:
“As the year is given birth
Build the Power; root to Earth”
High Priestess: High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Pass the Power, hand to hand
Bless the Lady, bless the Land”
High Priest: High Priest: High Priest:
High Priest:
“Bless the Lord, and bless the Skies
Bless the Power that never dies!”
The above four verses should be repeated three times, (or as many as needed to fully wrap the pole) and then the High Priestess should say:
High Priestess: High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree:
Let the Power flow out and free!"
All should release, at this point.
Such coven business as must be transacted may be done here. The Circle is opened.
High Priestess: High Priestess: High Priestess:
High Priestess:
“Thus I release the East and West
Thanks to them from Host to Guest
Thus I release the South and North
With "Blessed Be' I send them forth!
The Circle's open, dance we so
Out and homeward we shall go.
Earth and Water, Air and Fire
Celebrated our desire.
Winter's cold is gone away
Now it is the Day of May.
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
Our circle's done; and Blessed Be!”
Coven: Coven: Coven:
Coven:
“Blessed Be!”
All spiral dance out from the Circle, jumping the fire as they go. High Priest and High Priestess lead, with Bard/Green Man and Maiden taking care of bringing the Bel Fire into camp. Allow the Bel fire to burn out on its own, if possible, otherwise put it out with the water from the Cauldron. Disposal of the water otherwise should be to pour it at the roots of a tree. All participants may take fire from the Bel Fire to take home with them, cook over, or whatever, before it is extinguished.
Basic Solitary Sabbat Ritual Basic Solitary Sabbat Ritual Basic Solitary Sabbat Ritual Basic Solitary Sabbat Ritual Needed: Altar Elemental representations Illuminator candles Quarter candles Broom
Cakes and ale Book of Shadows Seasonal objects Step One:
Step One: Step One:
Step One: Sweep the area with the broom. Cleanse the ritual space by carrying a representation of the four elements around the area in a clockwise movement, working with one element at a time. Place any object of seasonal honor on the altar, along with the communion vessels and your Book of Shadows.
Step Two: Step Two: Step Two:
Step Two: Open the altar energies by passing the four elements over the altar and intoning a personal blessing, then tap the altar five times -- once for each element, and once for Spirit.
Step Three: Step Three: Step Three:
Step Three: Light the illuminator candles on the altar. Step Four:
Step Four: Step Four:
Step Four: Cast the magick circle using the following circle casting.
“Tides of the season, ebb and flow
(Tap the altar once, stating the name of the holiday energy being invoked.)
From spring’s first light to autumn’s glow.
(Hold your hands over the altar.)
Deosil around from birth to death
(Begin at the north and start to walk clockwise around the circle.)
Legends, myths, and lore connect
(You should be back at north.)
Solar fire, sun’s bright burning
(Lift the red fire candle on the altar and look skyward.)
Purify the Great Wheel turning
(Return the candle to the altar.)
Winds of north to carry the flame
(Begin walking from the north to the east.)
The mists of eons, call the name.
(Say the name of the holiday aloud.)
East and south, the west inspire
(Pause the wording at each direction as you continue around the circle.)
Energy spirals ever higher!
(Return to the north.)
The circle rises and makes rebirth
(Begin the third pass around the circle.)
As seasons change and kiss the earth.
(Return to the north.)
From seed and plough to harvest home
(Hold your hands over the altar.)
To starry vault and standing stone
(At the north, point upward.)
The sabbat circle thrice around
(Visualize the complete circle.)
I seal thee now from sky to ground!”
(Bring your arms down and stamp the floor with your foot.) Step Five:
Step Five: Step Five:
Step Five: Light the quarter candles and call the quarters.
“Winds of the (name of holiday) north, attend, acknowledge, and proclaim!
Winds of the (name of holiday) east, attend, acknowledge, and proclaim!
Winds of the (name of holiday) south, attend, acknowledge, and proclaim!
Winds of the (name of holiday) west, attend, acknowledge, and proclaim!
Winds of the (name of holiday) Spirit, fill this circle with thy love and protection!”
Step Six: Step Six: Step Six:
Step Six: Read the Charge of the Goddess.
Step Seven: Step Seven: Step Seven:
Step Seven: Invoke your ancestors by reading their names and declaring your honor for them.
Step Eight: Step Eight: Step Eight:
Step Eight: Read the sabbat invocations given in the sabbats section. Step Nine:
Step Nine: Step Nine:
Step Nine: State the intent of the ritual aloud, along with your personal
understanding of the holiday you are celebrating. This can be through poetry, a story, or even meditation.
Step Ten: Step Ten: Step Ten:
Step Ten: Draw down the sun. Note: Note: Note: Note: Do note stare directly into the sun. Lift your head with eyes closed.
Step Eleven: Step Eleven: Step Eleven:
Step Eleven: Perform any magickal work. Step Twelve:
Step Twelve: Step Twelve:
Step Twelve: Take communion. Step Thirteen:
Step Thirteen: Step Thirteen:
Step Thirteen: Perform the offering to the gods. Step Fourteen:
Step Fourteen: Step Fourteen:
Step Fourteen: Thank the deities. Step Fifteen:
Step Fifteen: Step Fifteen:
Step Fifteen: Thank and release the quarters, extinguish the quarter candles at the release of each quarter -- remember to begin in the west if you started in the north, moving widdershins.
“Winds of the Spirit of (name the holiday), blessings upon you! I release thee upon
thy way till next wee meet again! Winds of the (name the holiday) west, blessings
upon you! I release thee upon thy way till next wee meet again! Winds of the (name
the holiday) south, blessings upon you! I release thee upon thy way till next wee meet
again! Winds of the (name the holiday) east, blessings upon you! I release thee upon
thy way till next wee meet again! Winds of the (name the holiday) north, blessings
upon you! I release thee upon thy way till next wee meet again!”
Step Sixteen: Step Sixteen: Step Sixteen:
Step Sixteen: Release the magick circle, saying:
“Oh Great Circle of Sabbat Art, attend me no more this day but be released back into
Spirit.”
Step Seventeen: Step Seventeen: Step Seventeen:
Step Seventeen: Seal the altar energies by tapping once on the altar and extinguishing illuminator candles.
Step Eighteen: Step Eighteen: Step Eighteen:
Step Eighteen: Clean up and offer libation outside. Beltane Beltane Beltane Beltane Needed: Incense Burner Chalice of water Salt Pentacle Dagger 4 element Candles Chalice of wine Wand
Somewhere in circle, house guardian or symbol Special notes:
Time of the Horned God and the Lady of the Greenwood; honor of the House Guardian.
Cast the circle.
Raise wand in greeting, say:
“I give greetings to the Goddess of things wild,
of trees, of skies and of waters.
I do call upon you, lovely Lady, to be here with me.”
Dance or march around altar, starting in east moving deosil. Pause to salute each quarter candle with arms raised, move back to altar when done.
“Blessed be the words of the Lady of May
and the laughing Lord of the Greenwood.
Let now they great light come into me.
I am a cup to be filled, that I may do what is needful.
Blessed ever be the Lord and Lady!”
Stand before the house guardian or symbol.
“Lovely Lady, great Lord, I present to you the guardian of this house,
the special spirit I have invited into my home as protector and helper.
I honor this spirit in this symbol of its being.
Great Ones, bless this guardian of this house.
Lightly anoint the guardian symbol with perfumed oil, if not possible hold it over the burning incense or move the incense around it.
Place the wine chalice on pentacle for a few moments, lift it high, say:
“Honor to the Old Gods! Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.”
Drink the wine, saving some to be put outside for the little people or given to the earth.
Continue on with The Simple Feast and closing the circle. Beltane Beltane Beltane Beltane Needed: 6 candles Incense Altar tools Music Note:
The Beltane ritual should start before sunrise or in the evening of April 30th. This is to welcome the sun in and to make effective use of the bonfire. The party or the ritual should finish some time after sunrise.
Set up a candle in each of the four cardinal directions. Lay the rest of the tools on the altar cloth or near it. The altar can be on the ground, a table, a rock or a stump. The altar should be in the center or just north of center of the Circle. Light the six candles and the incense, start the music and begin the ritual.
The Ritual
Facing North, the High Priest and Priestess kneel in front of the altar with him to her right. She puts the bowl of water on the altar, places the point of her athame in it and says:
"I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from thee all impurities and
uncleanliness of the world of phantasm; in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia"
She then puts down her athame and holds up the bowl of water in both hands. The High Priest puts the bowl of salt on the altar, puts his athame in the salt and says:
"Blessings be upon this Creature of Salt; let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth
hence from, and let all good enter herein; wherefore so I bless thee, that thou mayest
aid me, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."
He then puts down his athame and pours the salt into the bowl of water the High Priestess is holding. The High Priest then stands with the rest of the Coven outside the Circle. The High Priestess then draws the Circle with the sword, leaving a gap in the Northeast section. While drawing the Circle, she should visualize the power flowing into the Circle from off the end of the sword. She draws the Circle in a East to North or deosil or clockwise direction. She says:
"I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest a meeting place of love and joy and
truth; a shield against all wickedness and evil; a boundary between men and the
realms of the Mighty Ones; a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain
the power that we shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate
thee, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."
The High Priestess lays down the sword and admits the High Priest with a kiss while spinning him deosil and whispers:
"Blessed Be"
He then admits a women the same way. Alternate-male-female-male. Then the High Priestess finishes closing the Circle with the sword. She then names three witches to help strengthen the Circle. The first witch carries the bowl of consecrated water from East to East going deosil, sprinkling the perimeter as she/he goes. They then sprinkle each member in turn. If the witch is male, he sprinkles the High Priestess last who then sprinkles him. If female she sprinkles the High Priest last, who then sprinkles her. The bowl is replaced on the altar. The second witch takes the incense burner around the perimeter and the third takes one of the altar candles. While going around the perimeter, each person says:
"Black spirits and white,
Red spirits and grey,
Harken to the rune I say.
Four points of the Circle, weave the spell,
East, South, West, North, your tale tell.
East is for break of day,
South is white for the noontide hour,
In the West is twilight grey,
And North is black, for the place of power.
Three times round the Circle's cast.
Great ones, spirits from the past,
Witness it and guard it fast."
All the Coven pickup their athames and face the East with the High Priest and Priestess in front, him on her right. The High Priestess says:
you up to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
As she speaks she draws the Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the air with her athame:
The High Priest and the rest of the Coven copy her movements with their athames. The High Priestess turns and faces the South and repeats the summoning:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I do summon, stir and
call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
She does the same pentagram and then faces West and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water, ye Lords of Death and
Initiation; I do summon, stir, and call you up , to witness our rites and to guard the
Circle."
She faces North with rest of the Coven and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; Boreas, thou gentle
guardian of the Northern Portals; thou powerful God and gentle Goddess; we do
summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
The Circle is completed and sealed. If anyone needs to leave, a gate must be made. Using the sword, draw out part of the Circle with a widdershins or counter-clockwise stroke. Immediately reseal it and then repeat the opening and closing when the person returns.
In this part of the ritual the Goddess becomes incarnate in the High Priestess. The High Priestess stands in front of the altar with her back to it. She holds the wand in her right hand and the scrounge in her left. She crosses her wrists and crosses the wand and scrounge above them while holding them close to her breast. The High Priest stands in front of her and says:
"Diana, queen of night
In all your beauty bright,
Shine on us here,
And with your silver beam
Unlock the gates of dream;
Rise bright and clear.
On Earth and sky and sea,
1 6
4 3
Your magic mystery
Its spell shall cast,
Wherever leaf may grow,
Wherever tide may flow,
Till all be past.
O secret queen of power,
At this enchanted hour
We ask your boon.
May fortune's favor fall
Upon true witches all,
O Lady Moon!”
The High Priest kneels before the High Priestess and gives her the Five Fold Kiss; that is, he kisses her on both feet, both knees, womb, both breasts, and the lips, starting with the right of each pair. He says, as he does this:
“Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty.
Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."
For the kiss on the lips, they embrace, length to length, with their feet touching each others. When he reaches the womb, she spreads her arms wide, and the same after the kiss on the lips. The High Priest kneels again and invokes:
"I invoke thee and call upon thee, Mighty Mother of us all,
bringer of all fruitfulness; by seed and root, by bud and stem, by
leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love do I invoke thee to
descend upon the body of this thy servant and priestess."
During this invocation he touches her with his right forefinger on her right breast, left breast, and womb, repeats the set and finally the right breast. Still kneeling, he spreads his arms out and down, with the palms forward and says:
